Nando’s reports sales exceed pre-covid levels, to open 14 new sites: Nando’s has revealed plans to open 14 new restaurants across the UK after it cut its pre-tax loss during its latest financial year. In the year to the end of February 2024, Nando’s opened 17 restaurants, with 11 of these in the UK and Ireland. During that 12-month period, the brand’s revenue increased by 7.5% to £1.37bn while its pre-tax loss was cut from £86.2m to £50.1m. The group reported an operating profit of £59.8m for the year. The company said that sales had surpassed pre-pandemic levels after “strong customer demand”. For the year ending 23 February 2020, the company turned over £1.1bn. Nando’s said it made £86.6m of capital investment over the year, as it opened more stores and refurbished a number of restaurants. The brand is to open 14 sites during its current financial year, and has already launched new restaurants in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Doncaster, Taplow, Bognor Regis, Watford, Northampton and Belfast. Rob Papps, group chief executive of Nando’s, said the economic backdrop remains “uncertain” but that the business is pushing forward with more investment to drive growth. Nando’s said the latest growth plans come after a positive first quarter of its 2024-25 financial year, where it was “extremely encouraged by customer demand”. However, it stressed cost inflation has stayed at “elevated levels”, highlighting it is still seeking to address its costs across the business. Papps said: “The 2024 financial year saw Nando’s deliver a good sales performance and a return to pre-pandemic levels of operating profit driven by robust consumer demand for our flame-grilled peri-peri chicken supported by our strong brand and customer proposition. Despite the improved sales performance, ongoing cost pressure with energy, labour and food remained very challenging.” Nando’s features in the Premium Club Turnover & Profits Blue Book, which is exclusively available to Premium Club members and features 1,110 companies. Nando’s turnover of £1.37bn is the tenth highest in the database. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.

Propel to launch definitive guide to the UK’s 500 largest hospitality companies: Propel is to launch a new and comprehensive guide to the top 500 hospitality companies in the sector, offering insights into the forces driving growth, innovation, and transformation. The Propel 500 report will analyse the companies leading the charge in hospitality, reporting on turnover, number of sites, and key staff. The guide will also include exclusive analysis to provide a full understanding of the market’s dynamics. Mark Wingett will delve into the mergers and acquisitions shaping the future of the Top 500. Tim Street dissects the UK’s rapidly developing franchise market. As the experiential leisure sector becomes a cornerstone of modern hospitality, Phil Pemberton will assess how innovative experiences are attracting customers. Meanwhile, Katherine Doggrell will examine the key developments in UK hotels, data expert Mark Bentley, business development director at HDI, will look at emerging growth sectors and Meaningful Vision founder Maria Vantifatova will analyse the latest trends in the quick service restaurant market. Propel 500 will be released on Friday, 10 January at 9am and is available for £595 plus VAT. Existing Premium Club members can receive it on Friday, 10 January at 9am for £395 plus VAT. Premium Club members will receive the report for free on Friday, 28 February at 9am. Pre-order Propel 500 today by emailing: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com 

Big Mamma opens debut regional UK site with Birmingham launch: Big Mamma Group, the McWin-backed restaurant group, has made its regional UK debut with an opening in Birmingham. As revealed by Propel in June, Big Mamma, which operates 26 sites across Europe, has opened in the former Vinoteca site at the Paradise development, 2 Chamberlain Square. Called La Bellezza, the restaurant features a collection of homemade Italian dishes, with 150 covers indoors and a 25-cover terrace. Dishes include Il Gran Carbonara, served from an 8kg pecorino wheel; Mafaldine al Tartufo, with truffle and rich mascarpone sauce topped with fresh black truffle; and Pici al Ragu di Agnello, served in a spiced San Marzano tomato sauce with slow-cooked Cornish lamb ragu. Big Mamma co-founders Victor Lugger and Tigrane Seydoux said: “Our main goal as restaurateurs is to bring to life the warmth and generosity of those little trattorias you find hidden throughout Italy. La Bellezza will be the epitome of this. We are excited to come to Birmingham, not only to be part of its incredibly vibrant restaurant community but also to bring our superb Italian products – which we spent three years personally sourcing from small family-run artisans – to another major European city.” Big Mamma, which operates five sites in London, is set to expand in the capital with an opening in Canary Wharf.